Æ40 - Gordian III (ΛΟΛ ΞΕΝΟΦΙΛΟϹ ΑΡΧ Α ΤΟ Β ΤΗΜΕΝΟΘΥΡΕΥϹΙ) (238-244) front Æ40 - Gordian III (ΛΟΛ ΞΕΝΟΦΙΛΟϹ ΑΡΧ Α ΤΟ Β ΤΗΜΕΝΟΘΥΡΕΥϹΙ) (238-244) back
Æ40 - Gordian III (ΛΟΛ ΞΕΝΟΦΙΛΟϹ ΑΡΧ Α ΤΟ Β ΤΗΜΕΝΟΘΥΡΕΥϹΙ) (238-244) photo
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica

Æ40 - Gordian III ΛΟΛ ΞΕΝΟΦΙΛΟϹ ΑΡΧ Α ΤΟ Β ΤΗΜΕΝΟΘΥΡΕΥϹΙ

 
Bronze 39.9 g 28.9 mm
Description
Issuer
Temenothyrae (Conventus of Sardis)
Emperor
Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
238-244
Composition
Bronze
Weight
39.9 g
Diameter
28.9 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-10
References
Numista
N#412394
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Athena seated, left, holding Nike on globe and spear; next to her, shield.

Script: Greek

Lettering: ΛΟΛ ΞΕΝΟΦΙΛΟϹ ΑΡΧ Α ΤΟ Β ΤΗΜΕΝΟΘΥΡΕΥϹΙ

Comment

Magistrate of Lollius Xenophilos (first archon for the second time)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare and unique reverse design, depicting the goddess Athena standing on a prow, holding a spear and a shield. This design is not commonly found on coins of the Roman Empire, and its presence on this coin suggests that it may have been specifically minted for a military campaign or to commemorate a naval victory. Additionally, the use of the title "ΛΟΛ ΞΕΝΟΦΙΛΟϹ" (LOL XENOPHILOS) which means "foreigner-loving" in Greek, suggests that the coin may have been minted to promote unity and cooperation between different cultures and cities within the empire.